By ANDREAS BUTLER | DAYTONA TIMES
(Source: Daytona Times)
The Bethune-Cookman University Wildcats open the 2025 season in Miami against the Florida International University Panthers on Friday, Aug. 29. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
The Wildcats recently held a scrimmage at Daytona Stadium on Aug. 16 in preparation for the upcoming season while summer camp neared an end.
“I think the team is coming along. They are starting to understand what we want. We are focusing on the little things like technique, fundamentals and attention to detail. Guys want to do their job and not let their teammates down,” said Raymond Woodie, Jr., B-CU’s head football coach.
This is Woodie’s third year leading the Wildcats. The air feels different.
Woodie expressed, “I feel like the players know what we expect. I got here after Signing Day my first year. The coaches didn’t know the players, and they didn’t know us. It was a learning year for both players and coaches. We now have some continuity. We want to build a smart, physical, fast and aggressive football team.”
There are players turning heads; some expected, but there have been some surprises like redshirt freshman cornerback Jayden Cummings and freshman linebacker Myron Shafer, a Mainland High product. Both shined in the recent scrimmage.
“Cummings is coming along at corner. Shafer is a pleasant surprise. He is a local guy who will also be asked to play special teams. Hopefully he can keep progressing and make the team,” said Woodie.
The Wildcats brought in a lot of players to have competition at every position.
All eyes are on the battle for the starting signal caller where the incumbent redshirt senior quarterback Cam’Ron Ransom is being pushed by redshirt senior quarterback Timmy McClain, who transferred in from Arkansas State. McClain has also played at both the University of Central Florida and the University of South Florida.
“Those guys are battling. We also have Amarie Jones. We also have position battles at running back, offensive line and in the defensive secondary. We brought in guys to add that depth. We got some youngsters stepping up on defense as well,” Woodie related.
There are also some local guys who could make an impact this year like redshirt senior defensive lineman Laron Davis, who transferred in from Charleston Southern; he is another Mainland High product.
“Davis is solid upfront. He has been since transferring in,” said Woodie.
There is also sophomore wide receiver Javon Ross, who starred at DeLand High and redshirt freshman wide receiver Marquis McCants.
“Those guys are locals who are battling. I feel like Ross is going to make an impact. McCants might have a chance too,” said Woodie.
During their recent scrimmage, the defense shined with four sacks and several turnovers. Redshirt junior wide receiver Rickie Shaw, who is a transfer from Wofford College in South Carolina, also had a good showing.
The Wildcats also have several standouts on roster returning including: HBCU Player of the Year candidate and Pre-Season All-American redshirt senior safety Antwone Watts; redshirt senior defensive tackle Adrian Hall and redshirt senior wide receiver and punt returner Maleek Huggins.
B-CU has a couple more weeks of practice before the start of the season.
Coming next week: A preview of the 2025 Bethune-Cookman University Wildcats football team. For more information on B-CU sports, teams, news, stats, roster and more, visit www.bcuathletics.com.
